KAMLOOPS – Fire management specialists are conducting a burn off operation on the north flank of Terrace Mountain this morning to bring the fire down to the south side of Short’s Creek.

 

The fire has been burning down the slope and this makes it too dangerous for firefighters to work as burning logs are falling downhill. As well, this slope could flare up under windy conditions which would result in uncontrolled spread.

The best time to burn the slope is in the morning while winds are light and the risk of spot fires is reduced. A burn specialist is conducting the operation using aerial ignition while firefighters and air support are standing by.

A large smoke column will be visible to residents of the Central Okanagan while the burn off is taking place.

 

Yesterday,a Restricted Area Order went into effect which affects road and area access around the Terrace Mountain Fire.

 

This closure applies to the entire area between the Whiteman Creek Forest Service Road and Bear Creek Forest Service Road. In order to avoid interference with fire control activities, no one may enter or remain in this Restricted Area unless they receive written authorization to travel to or from their residence or are involved in fire fighting activities.

For more information on the Restricted Area Order please contact the Kamloops Fire Centre at 250-554-5532.

The Terrace Mountain Fire is estimated at 8,550 hectares in size and is listed at 40 percent contained. Currently there are 443 firefighters actioning this fire, including 272 from British Columbia, 108 from Ontario and 63 from Quebec. Supporting the firefighters are 17 helicopters, 96 pieces of heavy equipment, and 116 overhead personnel.

 

As for the Brookmere fire, it continues to hold at an estimated 2800 hectares as crews prepare for a change in weather. The inversion and stable weather conditions allowed firefighters to make gains on the fire yesterday.

Priorities continue to be Brookmere to the northeast, the Coquihalla to the west, recent fire spread areas to the east, and containment of the fire.

Cooler temperatures and higher humidities forecast for today will provide firefighters with a bit of a break however Monday’s forecast calls for a cold front along with wind gusta of up to 50Km/hour.

The number of firefighters battling the blaze is at now at 162 with crews from BC, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta and Manitob, with an additional 57 support personnel. There are nine helicopters and 29 pieces of heavy equipment supporting firecrews. This fire is considered 30 percent contained, and zero percent controlled.